WO2024094111A1

WO2024094111A1 - Connector assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2024094111A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/129291
Authority: WO
Inventors: 王超
Original assignee: 长春捷翼汽车科技股份有限公司
Priority date: 2022-11-02
Filing date: 2023-11-02
Publication date: 2024-05-10
Also published as: CN219350820U

Abstract

A connector assembly. A latch device (3) is internally provided with a fixing slot (61); before a plug (1) is inserted into a receptacle (2), the fixing slot (61) is in snap-fit with a latch retaining device (4), so that the latch retaining device (4) is fixed in a first state; the latch device (3) comprises a pressing block (51); and after the plug (1) is inserted into the receptacle (2), the pressing block (51) disengages the latch retaining device (4) from the fixing slot (61), so that the latch retaining device (4) is fixed in a second state.

Description

A connector assembly

The present invention claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 2022229033662, filed on November 2, 2022, with invention name “A Connector Assembly”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the technical field of connectors, and more particularly to a connector assembly.

Background technique

In automobiles, latch retaining devices (CPA) are often used in connectors to ensure that the connector body is properly locked and mated together. The CPA structure is usually pre-installed on the connector to facilitate customer operation. After the CPA is pre-installed, it must be ensured that it will not fall off, and it must not be pushed to the final position before the plug and socket are plugged in. However, when the connector assembly is plugged in, the CPA should be able to be easily pushed to the final position. Since the CPA cannot be pushed in the pre-installed position, when the connector assembly is plugged in, there must be other structures to deform or displace the CPA so that the CPA can be pushed.

Therefore, a connector assembly that meets the above requirements is needed.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly, comprising: a plug and a socket that are plugged into each other, wherein the plug and the socket are provided with a locking device that is matched and connected, and the locking device is configured to prevent the plug and the socket from being separated; and further comprising a locking retaining device that is at least partially inserted into the locking device, and the locking retaining device prevents the locking device from accidentally touching and causing the plug and the socket to be unexpectedly separated;

A fixing groove is arranged inside the locking device, and before the plug and the socket are plugged into each other, the fixing groove is engaged with the locking retaining device, so that the locking retaining device is fixed in the first state;

The locking device comprises a pressing block. When the plug and the socket are plugged into each other, the pressing block disengages the locking retaining device from the fixing groove, so that the locking retaining device can be pushed into the second state.

Optionally, the locking device includes a snap-in groove and a snap-in spring sheet, the snap-in spring sheet includes a snap-in portion, and the plug and the socket are snap-in engaged with each other through the snap-in portion and the snap-in groove to maintain a plug-in connection.

Optionally, the engaging groove is arranged on one of the plug and the socket, and the engaging spring is arranged on the other of the plug and the socket.

Optionally, the lock retaining device includes a base and plug-in arms connected to each other, there are two plug-in arms, the front ends of the two plug-in arms are connected by a cross beam, and the fixing groove is arranged on the side of the snap-fit spring sheet opposite to the snap-fit part. In the first state, the cross beam is snap-fitted with the fixing groove.

Optionally, the length of the cross beam is greater than the length of the fixing slot, and two ends of the cross beam are protruding from two sides of the clamping spring sheet.

Optionally, the clamping block is arranged in the clamping groove, and an inclined surface is arranged on the clamping block, and when the plug and the socket are plugged in, the inclined surface abuts against the two ends of the beam. Optionally, the clamping spring also includes an elastic tongue, one end of which is connected to the clamping part, and the other end is in a cantilever state, and at least one stop pressure block is arranged on the plug arm, and in the second state, the stop pressure block abuts against the elastic tongue.

Optionally, the lock retaining device also includes a fixing portion, which is L-shaped and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the base; the inner surface of the fixing portion and the side surface of the plug arm form a guide groove, and the guide groove extends along the insertion direction of the plug and the socket.

Optionally, the guide groove includes two oppositely arranged side surfaces and a bottom surface connected to the side surfaces, the bottom surface is provided with at least one groove, and the plug or the socket is provided with a guide rib that cooperates with the guide groove, and a protrusion is provided on the guide rib. In the second state, the plug or the socket and the lock retaining device are engaged with each other through the groove and the protrusion.

Optionally, at least one elongated hole is respectively formed through the guide ribs, and the elongated hole is arranged along the extension direction of the guide ribs.

Optionally, the spring tongue is at least partially located in the snap-in groove.

The present invention has the following technical effects: when the socket and the plug are plugged together, the plug and the socket are locked by the lock catch to prevent the plug and the socket from being separated. When the plug and the socket are unlocked, the lock catch holding device needs to be retracted first, and then a force is applied to the lock catch device to achieve the unlocking and separation of the plug and the socket, which can ensure the safety of the connector. In addition, the present invention has the characteristics of simple structure, is conducive to production, and can save costs.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG1 is an exploded view of a connector assembly of the present invention;

FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector assembly according to the present invention;

FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connector assembly plug of the present invention;

FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the connector assembly socket and the lock retaining structure of the present invention;

FIG5 is a front view of the connection between the connector assembly socket and the lock retaining device of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a left side view of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in Fig. 6;

FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a lock retaining device according to the present invention;

FIG9 is a right side view of FIG8;

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B of Fig. 9;

FIG11 is a front view of the connector assembly of the present invention;

FIG12 is a right side view of FIG11;

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view along line C-C in Fig. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the socket.

The following are marked in the figure:
1. Plug; 2. Socket; 3. Locking device; 4. Locking retaining device; 10. Base; 20. Plug arm;
30. Fixed portion; 21. Crossbeam; 22. Stop block; 23. Bending portion; 31. Guide groove; 32. Recess; 33. Guide slope; 34. Step; 35. Reinforcing rib; 51. Press block; 52. Snap-fit groove; 53. Slope; 60. Snap-fit spring piece; 61. Fixed groove; 62. Spring tongue; 63. Snap-fit portion; 70. Guide rib; 72. Protrusion; 73. Long hole.

Detailed ways

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specifically stated.

The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered as part of the specification.

In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 14 , a connector assembly includes: a plug 1 and a socket 2 that are plugged into each other, wherein the plug 1 and the socket 2 are provided with a locking device 3 that is matched and connected, wherein the locking device 3 is configured to prevent the plug 1 and the socket 2 from being separated; and further includes a locking retaining device 4 that is at least partially inserted into the locking device 3, wherein the locking retaining device 4 prevents the locking device 3 from accidentally touching and causing the plug 1 and the socket 2 to be unexpectedly separated;

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 and 14 , a fixing groove 61 is provided inside the locking device 3. Before the plug 1 and the socket 2 are plugged into each other, the fixing groove 61 engages with the locking retaining device 4, so that the locking retaining device 4 is fixed in the first state.

As shown in Figures 3 and 11-13, the locking device 3 includes a pressing block 51. When the plug 1 and the socket 2 are plugged into each other, the pressing block 51 disengages the locking retaining device 4 from the fixing groove 61, so that the locking retaining device 4 can be pushed into the second state.

In the present invention, the socket 2 and the lock retaining device 4 can be pre-installed, and the pre-installed lock retaining device 4 is in a first state, as specifically shown in FIG. 4 .

When the socket 2 and the plug 1 are plugged in, the plug 1 and the socket 2 are locked by the locking device 3 to prevent the plug 1 and the socket 2 from being separated. The locking device 3 includes a pressing block 51, and specifically, the plug 1 is provided with a pressing block 51. During the plug 1 and the socket 2 are plugged in, the pressing block 51 exerts a downward force on the locking retaining device 4 to disengage the locking retaining device 4 from the fixing groove 61. The locking retaining device 4 is further pushed forward (forward to the left and backward to the right as shown in FIG. 1 ), and the locking retaining device 4 at this time plays a locking role, achieving the purpose of preventing the plug 1 and the socket 2 from being separated when subjected to external force. At this time, the locking retaining device 4 is in the second state, as specifically shown in FIG. 13 .

According to the structure of the present design, to unlock the plug 1 and the socket 2, it is first necessary to withdraw the lock retaining device 4 backwards, and then further apply a force to the lock device 3 to achieve the unlocking and disengagement of the plug 1 and the socket 2. The double unlocking steps can ensure the safe use of the connector. In addition, the present invention also has the characteristics of simple structure, which is conducive to production and can save costs.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , the locking device 3 includes a snap-in groove 52 and a snap-in spring piece 60, and the snap-in spring piece 60 includes a snap-in portion 63. The plug 1 and the socket 2 are snap-in connected to each other through the snap-in portion 63 and the snap-in groove 52 to prevent the plug 1 and the socket 2 from being separated under the action of external force. In one embodiment, the snap-in groove 52 is provided on one of the plug 1 and the socket 2, and the snap-in spring piece 60 is provided on the other of the plug 1 and the socket 2.

In one embodiment, the lock retaining device 4 includes a base 10 and a plug-in arm 20 connected to each other, the plug-in arm 20 is two, the front ends of the two plug-in arms 20 are connected by a crossbeam 21, a fixing groove 61 is provided on the side of the clamping spring 60 relative to the clamping portion 63, and in the first state, the crossbeam 21 is clamped with the fixing groove 61. As shown in Figures 8 to 10, specifically, the crossbeam 21 is accommodated in the fixing groove 61, and the fixing groove 61 limits the lock retaining device 4 from being pushed forward further, so that the lock retaining device 4 is maintained in the first state.

In one embodiment, the length of the cross beam 21 is greater than the length of the fixing slot 61 , and two ends of the cross beam 21 are protruded from two sides of the clamping spring piece 60 .

In one embodiment, specifically, the pressing block 51 is relatively arranged in the snap-in groove 52 , and a slope 53 is arranged on the pressing block 51 . When the plug 1 and the socket 2 are plugged in, the slope 53 abuts against both ends of the beam 21 and pushes the beam 21 out of the fixing groove 61 .

During operation, when the plug 1 and the socket 2 are plugged together, the pressing block 51 exerts a downward force on the lock retaining device 4, and the inclined surface 53 of the pressing block 51 abuts against the lock retaining device 4, pushing the lock retaining device 4 out of the fixing groove 61. The lock retaining device 4 is further pushed forward, and at this time, the lock retaining device 4 plays a locking role, achieving the purpose of preventing the plug 1 and the socket 2 from being separated when subjected to external force. At this time, the lock retaining device 4 is in the second state, as shown in FIG. 13 .

When the plug 1 is plugged into the socket 2 , the two sides of the cross beam 21 protrude from the spring sheet, which can ensure that the inclined surface 53 of the pressing block 51 abuts against the two ends of the cross beam 21 , ensuring that the cross beam 21 is separated from the fixing groove 61 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 , the snap-on spring piece 60 includes a spring tongue 62, one end of which is connected to the snap-on portion 63, and the other end is in a cantilever state. At least one pressure stop block 22 is provided on the plug-in arm 20. In the first state, a predetermined gap is provided between the pressure stop block 22 and the snap-on spring piece 60.

In the second state, the pressure stop block 22 abuts against the spring tongue 62 .

When the plug 1 and the socket 2 are locked, under the action of the lock retaining device 4, the pressure stop block 22 abuts against the spring tongue 62 to prevent the spring tongue 62 from being displaced downward due to pressure and to prevent the spring tongue 62 from being deformed, thereby avoiding the plug 1 and the socket 2 from being separated due to non-human factors. At this time, the lock retaining device 4 is in the second state.

When the plug 1 and the socket 2 are unlocked, the lock retaining device 4 is pushed, the stop block 22 and the spring tongue 62 are no longer in contact, and a certain gap is reserved, and the spring tongue 62 returns to the cantilever state. At this time, the lock retaining device 4 is in the first state;

The spring tongue 62 is continuously pressed, and the pressing force causes the entire engaging spring piece 60 to be subjected to downward pressure, so that the engaging spring piece 60 is disengaged from the engaging groove 52 , and the plug 1 and the socket 2 are unlocked.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 13 , a pressure stop block 22 is provided on the plug-in arm 20 , and the thickness of the pressure stop block 22 gradually decreases along the insertion direction. This design helps to achieve seamless connection between the pressure stop block 22 and the spring tongue 62 .

In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the lock holding device 4 also includes a fixing portion 30, which is L-shaped and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the base 10; the inner surface of the fixing portion 30 and the side surface of the plug arm 20 form a guide groove 31, and the guide groove 31 extends along the insertion direction of the plug 1 and the socket 2.

In one embodiment, the guide groove 31 includes two side surfaces arranged opposite to each other and a bottom surface connected to the side surfaces, and at least one groove 32 is provided on the bottom surface. A guide rib 70 cooperating with the guide groove 31 is provided on the plug 1 or the socket 2, and a protrusion 72 is provided on the guide rib 70. In the second state, the plug 1 or the socket 2 and the lock retaining device 4 are engaged with each other through the groove 32 and the protrusion 72.

In one embodiment, the guide groove 31 includes two side surfaces that are opposite to each other and a bottom surface connected to the side surfaces. The bottom surface is provided with at least one groove 32 , and an extending direction of the groove 32 is perpendicular to the insertion direction.

As shown in Figure 4, the guide groove 31 and the guide rib 70 cooperate to facilitate the plugging of the lock retaining device 4 with the socket 2. The two sides of the guide groove 31 are respectively surrounded by the inner surface of the fixing part 30 and the inner surface of the plug-in arm 20 to form a wall. The wall can prevent foreign matter from entering the connector, thereby achieving the effect of preventing foreign matter.

As can be seen from Figures 7, 10 and 14, an arc-shaped protrusion 72 is provided on the guide rib 70. When the lock retaining device 4 is pushed to the second state, under the condition that the pressure stop block 22 cooperates with the spring tongue 62, the lock retaining device 4 is further retained in the second state position through the cooperation of the protrusion 72 and the groove 32.

In one embodiment, a guiding slope 33 is provided on the bottom surface at an end close to the cross beam 21 .

In one embodiment, a step 34 is provided on the bottom surface at an end away from the crossbeam 21 .

When the lock retaining device 4 is pre-installed with the socket 2, the lock retaining device 4 is in the first state, the guide slope 33 plays a guiding role and cooperates with the protrusion 72 to continue pushing the lock retaining device 4, the protrusion 72 and the groove 32 cooperate, and the lock retaining device 4 is in the second state.

When unlocking is required, the lock retaining device 4 is pushed in the reverse direction, and the lock retaining device 4 uses the smooth guiding effect of the groove 32 to squeeze the protrusion 72, so that the lock retaining device 4 returns to the first state.

A step 34 is provided at the end of the lock retaining device 4. When the lock retaining device 4 is pushed in the reverse direction for unlocking, it cooperates with the step 34 behind the guide rib 70 to prevent the lock retaining device 4 from retreating and falling out.

In one embodiment, the thickness of the crossbeam 21 is greater than or equal to the thickness of the front end of the plug-in arm 20 .

The thickness of the cross beam 21 is set to be greater than or equal to the thickness of the front end of the plug-in arm 20, which helps the cross beam 21 to be engaged with the fixing groove 61 and is not easy to fall out.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 , the plug arm 20 further includes at least one bending portion 23 , and the extending directions of both ends of the bending portion 23 are at a set angle.

The plug-in arm 20 includes a bending portion 23 to ensure that the plug-in arm 20 tilts upward in a natural state, so that the crossbeam 21 is better placed in the fixing groove 61. In the absence of external force, the crossbeam 21 is not easy to fall out, preventing the lock retaining device 4 from being directly pushed to the second state.

The two ends of the bending portion 23 are at a preset angle, ensuring that in the first state, the cross beam 21 and the fixing groove 61 are in an interference state, so that the cross beam 21 is closely attached to the bottom of the fixing portion 30, thereby enhancing the fixing effect.

In one embodiment, the angle is 160°-175°, and can be specifically set to 160°, 165°, 170°, 175°, etc.

In one embodiment, at least one reinforcing rib 35 is disposed on the outer surface of the fixing portion 30 , and the reinforcing rib 35 extends in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the provision of the reinforcing rib 35 can not only increase the strength of the fixing portion 30 and extend the strength of the fixing portion 30 , but also increase the friction force when pushing the lock retaining device 4 to facilitate operation.

In one embodiment, at least one elongated hole 73 is formed through each of the guide ribs 70 , and the elongated hole 73 is arranged along the extending direction of the guide rib 70 .

As shown in FIG14 , when the lock retaining device 4 is pushed, the projection 72 together with the guide rib 70 are deformed downward by the squeezing effect of the guide slope 33, so that the lock retaining device 4 is pushed to the second state, the squeezing force of the projection 72 disappears, and the guide rib 70 returns to its original state. The arrangement of the long hole 73 can ensure that when the lock retaining device 4 is pushed during the unlocking and locking process, the friction between the lock retaining device 4 and the guide rib 70 is reduced while saving effort, thereby increasing the service life.

In one embodiment, the spring tongue 62 is at least partially located in the engaging groove 52 , so that the engaging portion 63 can penetrate deeply into the engaging groove 52 .

Although some specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail by way of example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments may be modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

A connector assembly, comprising:

A plug and a socket that are plugged into each other, wherein the plug and the socket are provided with a locking device that is matched and connected, and the locking device is configured to prevent the plug and the socket from being separated; and further comprising a locking retaining device that is at least partially inserted into the locking device, and the locking retaining device prevents the locking device from accidentally touching and causing the plug and the socket to be unexpectedly separated;

The invention is characterized in that a fixing groove is arranged inside the locking device, and before the plug and the socket are plugged into each other, the fixing groove is engaged with the locking retaining device, so that the locking retaining device is fixed in the first state;

The locking device comprises a pressing block. When the plug and the socket are plugged into each other, the pressing block disengages the locking retaining device from the fixing groove, so that the locking retaining device can be pushed into the second state.
The connector assembly according to claim 1 is characterized in that the locking device includes a snap-in groove and a snap-in spring sheet, the snap-in spring sheet includes a snap-in portion, and the plug and the socket are snap-in engaged with each other through the snap-in portion and the snap-in groove to maintain a plug-in connection.
The connector assembly according to claim 2 is characterized in that the snap-in groove is arranged on one of the plug and the socket, and the snap-in spring is arranged on the other of the plug and the socket.
The connector assembly according to claim 3 is characterized in that the lock retaining device includes a base and plug-in arms that are connected to each other, there are two plug-in arms, the front ends of the two plug-in arms are connected by a cross beam, and the fixing groove is arranged on a side of the snap-fit spring sheet opposite to the snap-fit portion, and in the first state, the cross beam is snap-fitted with the fixing groove.
The connector assembly according to claim 4 is characterized in that the length of the cross beam is greater than the length of the fixing groove, and the two ends of the cross beam are protruding from the two sides of the snap-on spring sheet.
The connector assembly according to claim 5 is characterized in that the pressure block is relatively arranged in the clamping groove, and an inclined surface is arranged on the pressure block, and when the plug and the socket are plugged in, the inclined surface abuts against two ends of the beam.
The connector assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the snap-fit spring sheet further comprises a spring tongue, one end of which is connected to the snap-fit portion, and the other end of which is in a cantilever state.

At least one pressure stop block is arranged on the plug arm, and in the second state, the pressure stop block abuts against the spring tongue.
The connector assembly according to claim 4 is characterized in that the lock retaining device further comprises a fixing portion, the fixing portion is L-shaped and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the base; the inner surface of the fixing portion is aligned with the plug The side surfaces of the connecting arm form a guiding groove, and the guiding groove extends along the insertion direction of the plug and the socket.
The connector assembly according to claim 8 is characterized in that the guide groove includes two side surfaces arranged opposite to each other and a bottom surface connected to the side surfaces, at least one groove is provided on the bottom surface, a guide rib matching with the guide groove is provided on the plug or the socket, a protrusion is provided on the guide rib, and in the second state, the plug or the socket and the lock retaining device are engaged with each other through the groove and the protrusion.
The connector assembly according to claim 9 is characterized in that at least one elongated hole is respectively provided through the guide ribs, and the elongated hole is arranged along the extension direction of the guide ribs.
The connector assembly according to claim 7 is characterized in that the spring tongue is at least partially located in the snap-in groove.